Mangaluru: Inspired by a successful initiative at NITK Surathkal, Odisha has launched a 1,000 kg prefabricated biogas plant to convert organic waste into energy. The groundbreaking ceremony for the plant, set up in Paradeep municipality, took place on Tuesday with support from experts and students of NITK Surathkal, reports The Times of India.
The project is part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative funded by Tecnimont (Maire) to benefit Paradeep municipality in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha. The biogas plant, which will process one ton of food and vegetable waste per day, aims to supply cooking gas to community kitchens, promoting sustainable waste management.
Vasudeva Madav, project coordinator at the Maire Tecnimont Centre for Research in Waste Recycling and Circular Economy, NITK, described the project as a direct extension of NITK’s sustainability efforts. “This initiative bridges the gap between campus innovation and community service,” he said.
Developed under a tripartite agreement between Paradeep municipality, Tecnimont, and NITK Surathkal, the plant is expected to be operational within 12 months. Students of NITK Surathkal have played a crucial role in its development, handling key aspects such as obtaining approvals and overseeing execution.
“The entire operation of the Paradeep plant will be managed by students, providing them with hands-on experience in waste-to-energy solutions,” Madav added. The initiative builds on a pilot project at NITK’s campus, which trained students in organic waste management and biogas production.
Odisha’s interest in setting up the plant was sparked by a 2022 visit from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to NITK’s campus. Impressed by its biowaste recycling pilot project, Pradhan advocated for a similar initiative in his home state. Paradeep municipality, known for its innovative waste collection and electric vehicle waste management, was chosen as the site.
The biogas produced will be used for community kitchens, contributing to Odisha’s push for green energy solutions.
B. Ravi, Director of NITK Surathkal, called the project a major milestone in the institute’s sustainability efforts. “We already have a 500 kg biogas plant running on our campus. Scaling up this experience to Paradeep will help Odisha achieve its green energy goals,” he said.
Milind V Baride, India Region Vice-President of MAIRE Group, highlighted the initiative’s environmental and social impact. “This facility reflects MAIRE Group’s strong commitment to circularity, social responsibility, and economic sustainability in the communities we serve,” he said during the ceremony.
With the biogas plant expected to be fully functional within a year, the initiative marks another step toward sustainable waste management and clean energy adoption in Odisha.
